Inside Unmanned Systems

AUG-SEP 2018

Inside Unmanned Systems provides actionable business intelligence to decision-makers and influencers operating within the global UAS community. Features include analysis of key technologies, policy/regulatory developments and new product design.

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35 unmanned systems
inside
ENGINEERING. PRACTICE. POLICY.
August/September 2018
The IPP team will study using the Falcon
8+ drone (left) to do inspections of
runways, taxiways and fences.
INSPECTING AIRCRAFT
WITH DRONES
Federal Express will be working with the
Integration Pilot Program (IPP) team led
by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport
Authority to do real-world tests to
assess using drones to inspect airplanes.
Drones will be able to do methodical,
detailed inspections based on the
preloaded specifications from the
aircraft's manufacturer, said Scott
Brockman, president and CEO of
the Memphis-Shelby County Airport
Authority, which is leading the team.
If the drone spots a problem it can
send an alert and a high definition
image of the suspected damage
that can be checked by someone.
"That aircraft could be inspected down
to every rivet, every seam, every piece
that's visible to a mechanic who would
be doing it on a bucket truck—but
with a much higher resolution than the
human eye," Brockman said. "And those
inspections could theoretically take
place in a much more timely manner,
a much safer and efficient manner."